Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 53 and 64 together.

The North-South interconnector is important for improving the efficient operation of the single electricity market, SEM, and increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. Currently, there is only a single high-capacity electricity interconnector between the transmission systems in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The proposed interconnector will add a capacity of 1,500 MW and remove a significant bottleneck, leading to the improved operation of the SEM.

On 21 December, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the North-South interconnector project. The decision concluded a lengthy planning process that included an oral hearing completed over 11 weeks from March to May of last year. The hearing considered submissions and witness testimony on a range of concerns, including the impacts on people, health, archaeology, flora, water, soils, land use and traffic. The inspector evaluated the testimony presented in favour of and against the overhead and underground solutions. In her report, she examined these issues thoroughly and concluded that a high-voltage alternating current overhead line was the best technical and economic solution for the interconnector in order to achieve the specified national energy objectives.

The planning process in Northern Ireland is ongoing, with the planning inquiry concluding on 27 February 2017.

I am aware of the views that have been raised by communities across Cavan, Meath and Monaghan to the effect that the transmission lines should be laid underground rather than built overhead. However, all evidence available to me indicates that developing the project underground would cost substantially more and deliver less. In particular, I would highlight the independent expert commission report of 2012, which estimated that the cost of building the project underground would be three times the cost of the overhead solution. I would also highlight the July 2014 work and findings of the Government-appointed independent expert panel, which found that the studies and work undertaken on the North-South transmission line project were compatible with the methodologies being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects.

In light of the motions passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, I have requested my officials to prepare a proposal for an updated independent report that would consider any change in cost and technology in the five years since the 2012 report by the independent expert commission. My officials are preparing the terms of reference for this study. I intend for this report to provide a comprehensive and independent analysis and to be completed and published before the end of this year. I re-emphasise the Government's continued strong support for this project.

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